Charlotte.com

March 01, 2007

Panthers still in running for Fletcher-Baker

While it still appears the Washington Redskins are the favorite to land free agent linebacker London Fletcher-Baker when free agency opens Friday, don’t count the Panthers out completely. One interesting bit of news that could work in favor of the Panthers: Fletcher-Baker was house-hunting in Charlotte this week.

Sources close to Fletcher said not to read too much into that. Supposedly, he just wants to move his family out of the Cleveland area and into a warmer climate. The Panthers probably don’t have enough cap space to compete with Washington, but it’s believed they have interest in Fletcher-Baker. Maybe his decision won’t be entirely about money.

Comments

I don't know how or when London Fletcher became London Fletcher-Baker, and I don't like it; however, that is the only thing about it I can talk bad about. He's been outstanding his whole career and I was surprised to learn he's never been to a Pro Bowl. With that said, though, the Redskins have more money for free agents, but they have a way of ruining people as well. Hopefully he looks at how the Redskins treated Archuleta and Vincent. Talent doesn't get you anywhere in DC either since Antonio Pierce and Lavar Arrington turned down money to leave.

But I continue to emphasize that spending money on defense will not help keep the offense on the field longer. Last season saw injuries to Ken Lucas and Dan Morgan. Richard Marshall, the rookie, started some games and Thomas Davis was a first year starter at linebacker. Kris Jenkins was playing his first full year in three years after injuries. In other words, staying healthy and building on experience are needed on defense more than new personnel.

Posted by: charlson | Mar 1, 2007 3:08:00 PM

u can't throw big time money at mlb when we got morgan ya i know he missed las year and has that whole concussion deal but when hes healthy he's a top five mlb if the panthers are worried about morgan then they should draft someone like patrick willis in the 1st or brandon siler in the second, if the panthers throw money at a linebacker it should be an olb to replace nail diggs who had a very average year

Posted by: james | Mar 1, 2007 4:36:42 PM

Joey Porter or Cato June would be better for the Panthers, espcially Porter!!! I would rather pick up a Safety in the Draft!